Don’t ask me why I obsessively look to rock ’n’ roll bands for some kind of model for a better society. I guess it’s just that I glimpsed something beautiful in a flashbulb moment once, and perhaps mistaking it for prophecy have been seeking its fulfillment ever since.
- Lester Bangs

I wanted to go on record and say that the new My Morning Jacket album, 'Evil Urges' is as good or better than anything they have recorded to date. More mellow as a whole, and the band is even tinkering around with some electronic sounds...but worry not, it is still at heart a rock n roll record, and Jim James has raised the level of his songwriting yet again.

Here is one of my favorites from the album, which hits stores in early June.

"no one wants to pull out their full mac-daddy skills in front of their mom" - Truer words have never been spoken on Craigslist.

******

3 out of 4 kids like your lemonade - m4w - 27 (clifton)

'75%' i said. 'Those aren't very good odds. That's like a 'D'.' You were lovely, flirtatious, and intriguing. I flirted back to the extent that I could, but no one wants to pull out their full mac-daddy skills in front of their mom! You had on a little silver necklace, but I'd love to know the story of the 'distinguishing trait' under the necklace, and where do you make this wonderful lemonade?

Doesn't every little girl grow up, hoping to one day hear "You are way hotter than the pole dancer"?

Who says romance is dead.

*****

Kickstand/Wrong door out/me red Harley - m4w (LAZELLE RD)

after midnight you walked out the wrong door.. I waited and held the right one, then pulled next to you before you left YOU- little Nissan, license started w/ DEE 3 something.. You are way hotter than the Pole dancer, and probably have more character than her..She got her free drinks off the other guy..I laffed when she snuck out the back door..You wanna ride or do dinner??the answer is yes !!

I have played this track an obscene amount of times over the last 3 days. I can't help it. I am just a sucker for these 'next big thing' British bands. Especially when they seem to be so heavily inspired by the Gang Of Four, like these lads appear to be.

I got totally sidetracked by new music yesterday, thereby forgetting to post my daily Coachella-attending artist...so I guess I owe you two now. No problem.First up is My Morning Jacket...a band that I am dying to see live again. They absolutely burned down the stage at Lolla last year, and I wouldn't miss this set for anything. 'Evelyn Is Not Real' is off of their Tennessee Fire release.

And for the other artist, I think I will go with Black Mountain...a band I am just getting into, but they are shooting up my list of 'sets not to miss'.

And Dublin is one of the more trendy, uspcale neighborhoods in Columbus.

Hot girl in overalls - m4w - 35 (Dublin)

You were at a store near my home. You had on old overalls and you were hot. I was with an older guy helping him with his electric cart. If this was you, I'd love to chat! (I have a thing for women in overalls!)

******

I felt obligated to pick a hometown artist for this one, sense this post just SCREAMS Ohio...

If for no other reason than being the album that introduced me to M. Ward, this record would deserve a place in my own personal hall of fame. But these songs...oh these songs...'Carolina' alone was practically all I listened to for about two straight weeks.

Just a beautiful record, from start to finish...and one that I still listen to every time it rains.

Now this is a near perfect 'Americana/alt-country' album! Mr Carll sounds to me like Bobby Bare,Jr and Steve Earle with just the right amount of the Rolling Stones mixed in. Great songs about shadowy characters set in dive bars...perfect.

Here is his brilliant cover of Tom Waits' 'I Don't Wanna Grow Up' and the equally wonderful 'She Left Me For Jesus'

Ok, today's Coachella band is brought to you by the Reunion department of the festival. Every year the wonderful people at Coachella talk some amazing bands into getting together to play their little party in the desert. Money is such an amazing motivator. But motivation be damned, I could care less what it is that gets them there...I just know that over the last 3 years I have seen New Order, the Jesus & Mary Chain, Crowded House, and a handful of other bands that I never thought I'd have the chance to see.

And in a couple of weeks, Love And Rockets can be added to this short list. So here are a couple from these modern rock legends...enjoy.

On the surface, this post seems like just another 'love gone wrong' rant on the Missed Connections page of Craigslist...well, ok...it IS one of those...but it's also a brilliant tactical dating move(by CL standards). Notice how he deftly gains the sympathy of the reader, then oh so subtly reaches out to the other emotionally wrecked readers of the Missed Connections for 'an honest, and caring woman'...i bet his inbox overfloweth...ingenious!

******

Trust is no longer there - 36 (Columbus)

I have been thinking about my future a great deal with the woman I have been in love with for a few years now. I have come to find out she has betrayed and lied to me a great deal. She has made up reasons she needed to be away from me in order to quench her thirst for sex with other men. She has stayed in a hotel with another man days after helping her get her own place and move. She has joined dating sites, and utilized this site to find men to satisfy her needs. All I have ever given her is love and support.

Are there any real, truthful, honest and caring women left in this world? I hope so, and would love to find one to make me not so cynical.

Yeah, there is zero chance of this missed connection ever 'connecting'...but I liked that he referenced the characters from 'The Office'...I am rooting for him!

******our names rhyme :-) - m4w - 26

Me, missing you like crazy. You, married with a child. I miss talking to you as much as I used to. Everyday I think about what we "had". I believe we are made for each other. I know you're in a weird situation but I can't stop thinking about you. It's hard to resist. every since you "moved" we've become disconnected and I miss you like you wouldn't believe. I want to be with you forever. I hope to talk to you soon Beesly.

Finally. I have been waiting to get a listen to this covers record from one of my favorite singer/songwriters for what seems like an eternity. Some great covers here of classics by artists like Lou Reed,Tom Waits,The Ramones,the Hold Steady, and so many more.

Here are two for you...Jesse's take on 'You Can Make Them Like You' by the Hold Steady, and the classic Nilsson tune 'Everybody's Talking''You Can Make Them Like You'

Your skin glows like the mango,blossoms sexy as the rose in the purest hope of spring.My heart follows your piano voice and leaps --like a koala at the whisper of your name.The evening floats in on a great minah wing.I am comforted by your shoe that I carryinto the twilight of lunchboxbeamsand hold next to my toenail.I am filled with hopethat I may dry your tears of iced tea.As my leg falls from my sweater,it reminds me of your blender.In the quiet, I listen for the last scream of the day.My heated finger leaps to my dress.I wait in the moonlight for your secret ugly so that we may runas one, finger to finger, in search of the magnificient grayand mystical paper towel of love.

Yet another song from my formative rock years. I think I first heard Better Than Ezra's 'Deluxe' album in 1995, when I was still transitioning from listening to hip hop and bad metal into more of what I listen to now(read - better music.)

I must have listened to this song 1000 times if I listened to in once. It's just SO catchy...still brings an instant smile to my face when I hear it, all these years later.Better Than Ezra - 'Good'

In honor of the huge announcement that Prince is headlining Saturday night at Coachella, I decided to post a Prince tune...but in the spirit of the festival. After all, Coachella is nothing if not eclectic. So here is one of my absolute favorite bands, the Be Good Tanyas with their spin on a Prince classic.The Be Good Tanyas - 'When Doves Cry'

This guy is taking desperation to a whole new level. He doesn't know if she is real or a bot, but he is HOPING against hope that she is the living, breathing kinda girl. Of course, there is only one song that could POSSIBLY do this post justice.

******

Want some attention-29 - m4w - 36 (Wauseon)

This message is to Jennifer, I am sorry I missed your email:( I know you think I stood you up, but honestly I did not expect a response. By the time I got around to reading the message you phone number had dissapeared:( I don't know if you are real or just a "bot" I wanted you to know I am sorry:( P.S I really did want to get to know you:)

Thirty years on and he is still pining for and old flame...wow. Moral of the story? Don't let the truly amazing people out of your life...you may never see them again and wonder 'what if' for the rest of your days...see exhibit A below:

******

Beth - 30 years later, I think of you daily - m4w - 47 (Ada)

The things we used to do as kids & teenagers are as fresh in my mind today as they were in the 1970's. You have no idea what effect you have had on me for life. We grew up in Mentor and lived 3 doors apart. It was my awakening and yours as well. What I would give to re-live those experiences. You have no idea how often I see you when I close my eyes. I wish we could have continued together forever.

If anyone doubted that the reforming of the Stone Temple Pilots was indeed a NON EVENT, then just take a longer look at the show they chose to come back with. As a resident of Columbus,OH...I can assure you that the Rock On The Range Festival is not, in any way good. Lots of bad metal on the lineup and STP. I wouldn't say I am excited that they are reuniting, more like I am feeling just a big nostalgic. Like hearing an ex girlfriend that you dated, but never loved, is back in town.

SO..in honor of this lukewarm feeling of nostalgia, here are a couple of tunes. My favorite STP song and one of the best indie rock dis songs ever written, courtesy of Pavement.

Stars is the band that just keeps getting away. They were in LA twice while i was there and BOTH times I was going to another show. So the plan(not that my plans ever workout)is to finally see them at Coachella this year.

I wouldn't recommend starting your missed connection post with the phrase "I am not a very happy person and I have a lot of problems"...just my two cents. But I am glad her life was saved anyway...it's the feel good post of the week!!

******

To the dunk/high guy with hiccups

Dear drunk/high guy with hiccups,

I am not a very happy person and I have a lot of problems. So the day that I met you, I was at the mall, simply overjoyed to be out of my house (with a little bit of sunshine in my purse). And I wandered the mall, slowly making the way through the store. Walking into store after store I started thinking, What's the point? Why is everyone wasting this much time trying to be fancy and pretty, when deep inside, all of us know that we aren't. Hours passed like this, hours of people watching, and just as I gave up I made my way into your store. I sat in the front for a long while, smelling opium incense. It was then that you stumbled in. You smiled a lopsided smile at the cashier and asked him about the earing he had on display. You seemed excited by all the things you saw there, and I was excited that you were there. You leaned over to a display and from across the room I heard a quiet noise. A quiet, but very happy noise. *Hiccup!*I tried so hard not to laugh but you still heard my stifled giggle. And you laughed out loud upon seeing me. It was then that our game began. We would glance at each other while wandering the store, until *Hiccup!*. Then we would giggle and the game would begin again.I swear you saved my life drunk/high guy with hiccups.

M.I.A. ranks as one of my all time favorite pleasant surprises of Coachellas past. To tell you the truth, I am not even sure if I had heard the name before I stumbled across their incredible set at the 2005 festival. I was walking across the polo grounds, on my way to see someone else(i can't remember for the life of me who) when I heard these killer sounds coming from the tent to my right...i walked over, and an MIA fan was born.

As I was going through my music last night, just playing some stuff I haven't heard in ages, I found this song. And since I am in major Coachella countdown mode here, I figured I would share it.

Z Trip's set at Coachella 2005 was incredible...one of the highlights of that weekend for sure, and I heard his set the year before was even better...that included a guest appearance by Beck. Anyway, here is his take on the classic Kansas tune 'Dust In The Wind'

How are the guys in this town supposed to compete with GI Joe tatoos? We don't stand a chance...actually, never mind. I don't think I want anything to do with a girl that can recognize a "Arashikage ninja clan" tattoo.

******

I like your GI Joe Tattoo - w4m - 24 (Victorian Village)

I saw your tattoo from across the room and immediately knew... it was not the I Ching but the symbol for Storm Shadow's Arashikage ninja clan.

How can you not love Jens Lekman? This hopelessly romantic troubadour never ceases to make me smile. I can't wait to FINALLY see him in Indio this year. It will be one of the happiest hours of the festival weekend. I can't think of another singer who could write a lovely ode to the girl that cuts his hair and make it sound so sincere.Jens Lekman - 'Shirin'

Another band I am dying to get a look at in person is MGMT. Ever since hearing 'Time To Pretend' earlier this year, I have been hooked on their 'Occular Spectacular' record. I hope they play the small tent, and I hope I have had several beers before they hit the stage.

If he leaves you for a younger woman just try to reason with him via the craigslist missed connections section.

Why am I wasting my breath,she is obviously a genius, since she analyzed every bit of the guy's life in the post...but yet somehow not smart enough to send this to him in an email. I am convinced that the vast majority of humanity consits of really,REALLY stupid people

******

She is barely older then your youngest child

I’m having a difficult time understanding how you can date a woman half your age who does not have anything in common with you what so ever. I don’t care how sexy or exciting she may seem to you, what do you two really have to discuss or share. Your children are grown, you have nurtured them into adulthood and they have become responsible members of our society. She is just a bit older then your youngest, she is from a questionable background. Although I am not a snob I have to wonder what she really wants from you. Why isn’t she interested in a young man either her own age or a bit older, rather then a man twice her age. In most relationships likes yours the woman is looking for monetary support, or has a need to be with someone of power. I have to also question why you are so insecure with who you are that you need this kind of a relationship. This is not something new for you. You have repeated this same sort of behavior before always to be hurt or left disappointed. You haven’t learned anything from your past You are my friend, someone that I feel I can tell the most intimate and important things in my life, knowing you will not divulge my secrets or criticize me. We are comfortable with each other. I was really hoping this comfort would grow into something much more.

Oh Skullys...this bar has some sort of weird energy about it...i can't even describe it. I have had relationships end there, my car has been broken into while there...it's one of those places that something memorable ALWAYS happens, good or bad....always memorable.This was such a romantic little post I just had to share it...

******We did each other - forgot to get your name and number - m4w - 24 (Short North)

We met at Skullys last Saturday night. I did you behind the back patio but you left before I had a chance to get your name and number, but I will never forget you. Please contact me, describe the t-shirt you were wearing that night and my genitalia.

i am writing in an attempt to apologize in advance for the lonely years ahead for you. before you start, let me at least state my case.

you see, i have spent many hours observing all of the things that people do. and the stupidity of humans, as it relates to the upbringing of offspring, is no longer of any surprise to me. the values that humans try to instill in their young are mute in comparison to the volume of their actions.

the point is not the sexual preditor's out there, but the sexualization of our daughters. what are girls who have no concept of sexuality yet doing in sexualized clothing?

you see, dear uterus, i can not let you begin a little girl's life if a single second of her innocence can be sexually objectified. do not get your hopes up ute, this does not mean that i want to raise a man. i wouldn't even know how to begin reversing the things he would learn during his first day of school.

can you imagine trying to teach a hormonal teenage boy about racial inequality?

a woman's right to choose?

the bush administration?

sigh.

yes, i know, i don't have to do it alone. but you haven't seen what it's like on the other side of those walls(yes, that was a pun). for the most part they are emotionally or mentally handicapped. they were once little boys raised by parents who shouldn't have been parents; by women who should have had the conversation we're having right now.

oh fine, yes, great men are out there, they are doing great things, for great reasons, and not being led around by their dicks. but do you know what they are? workaholics.

yes, i could do it alone. have you any idea how hard it is to find competence in anything? the world is full of mutants; people who consume cheap disposable things for status. people who kill animals for fiscal gain. people who willingly spend hours of their life inside wal-mart.

no, uterus of mine, i am sorry that i will not know of your awe-inspiring capabilities, but it is just not our time.

1) You misspelled her job title2) You ADMITTED to not being able to afford a drink3) You reminded her of HER DAD4) She's a stripper

******HOT STIRPPER AT KAHOOTS - m4w - 46

I WAS IN WITH A FRIEND YOU WERE OFFERED TO GIVE ME A LAP DANCE BUT I SAID THEY COST WAY TOO MUCH THO YOU WOUD HAVE BEEN WORTH IT. YOU LAUGHED AND SAID I REMINDED YOU OF YOUR DAD. WE BOTH AGREED THAT DRINKS WERE TO EXPENSIVE IN THERE. WHAT DO YOU SAY TO YOU AND ME GETTING A CHEAPER DRINK ALONE TOGETHER?

I am sure I have written a blurb or two about my affection for Paddy Casey's music since I have had this blog up and running, but honestly I can't remember...I mean seriously, I can't even remember what I had for lunch yesterday...the memory is shot, but I think I had a lot of fun causing said memory loss.

I spend a lot of time near the end of the year scouring best of lists, looking for albums that slipped by me during the preceding 12 months...one of my favorites is the NPR 'All Songs Considered' list. They always have such eclectic picks, I pull one or two albums out of that list every year that I listen into the ground. A few years ago Paddy Casey's debut 'Amen(So Be It) was one of those records. And recently the Irish singer/songwriter just released his 3rd record, 'Addicted To Company Pt 1'.

Here is one off of the new album('Become Apart') and two off of that debut...the haunting 'Ancient Sorrow' and the beautifully James Taylor-esque 'Sweet Suburban Sky':Paddy Casey - 'Become Apart'

There is this sub-genre of missed connections that I have noticed that are like a study in severe conflict avoidance. Rather than talk to the person, they post a vague, general overview of their relationship's failings on craislist...and wonder why they are still single(says the guy who is single...but I know why!)?

Not to mention this describes like HALF of all new relationships...they just fizzle out...man, if every single person in this situation posted, I would never be able to read them all!

******

Why are you so cold? - w4m - 30

Ok, so I am so lost right now...I do not know what to think! Everything was amazing, and then we both freaked out, and now things are weird! Help me to understand. Did I do something wrong? Say something wrong? One day at a time, but how do we do that, if you are so cold? Maybe it is just me, but please let me know....

It is now 3:37AM and I can't sleep to save my life...time to bring in the big guns...yes, I will now put on Josh Ritter's 'Animal Years.' I LOVE this record...and that I am counting on it to put me to sleep is in no way an insult...quite the opposite actually. It's like the musical equivalent of a security blanket.

Since I am up, here are a couple of my favorite JR covers. His sublime take on Modest Mouse's 'Blame It On The Tetons' and an incredible version of the Springsteen classic 'The River.'

Drop me a song!

My phone's on vibrate for you...

...or my email is anyway! Hey, it's me Blair...the Certain Songs staff of one. I just do this for the love of the music and am in no way trying to rip anybody off, so if you are an artist or a record label and you are not happy that I am promoting your music, or you want me to take a song down, just shoot me an email and I will most definitely oblige.

And please support the artists I post here in whatever way you can if you do download a song...go to a show, buy some merch, buy an album...these songs are the soundtrack to my life and I just love to share them. But I can only do that if the insanely talented artist responsible for said songs are able to eat.

I also love hearing new stuff...so any submissions can also be sent to my email, I will try my bestest to listen to everything and get back to you all...peace,love,rock n' roll.

csmusicblog@gmail.com

Monthly Mix Tape

Mission Statement

I guess you're old enough to know.Kids out on the east coast.Roughly twenty years old.Got coaxed out by a certain perfect ratio.Of warm beer to the summer smoke.And the meat loaf to the billy joel.Certain songs they get so scratched into our souls.

She goes low on the seats when she gets high in her car.She looks shallow but shes neck deep in the steamy dreams of the guys along the harbor bars.She's pulling out her shirttails and jacking up her socks.Stern and stoned and confident, coming up towards the jukebox.Born into the only songs that everybody finally sings along.B-1 is for the good girls.It's only the good die young.C-9 is for the making eyes.It's paradise by the dashboard light.D4 is for the lovers.B12 is for the speeders.And the hard drugs are for the bartenders and the kitchen workers and the bartender's friends.And they're playing it again.Ellen Foley gives us hope.Certain songs they get scratched into our souls.

I guess you're old enough to know.Kids out on the west coast are taking off their clothes.Screwing in the surf and going out to shows.They get high and ride around in gtos.I guess you're old enough to know.CERTAIN SONGS THEY GET SCRATCHED INTO OUR SOULS. - The Hold Steady